COLDWATER — The shooting death of Michigan State Trooper Paul Butterfield near Manistee on Monday was the impetus for Branch County Commission Chairman Don Vrablic to remind the public of the "inherent dangers and threats that not only state troopers but sheriff's deputies and local police officers face every day in the performance of their duties."

The retired state police officer added, "We owe those people a debt of gratitude."

Vrablic said a member of his own recruit class and a member of a post at which he was once stationed had been killed in the line of duty.

"I understand how (the MSP troopers) feel right now," he said.

Butterfield stopped a vehicle at 6:20 p.m. in Sherman Township 80 miles north of Grand Rapids. Three minutes later a motorist called 911 to report that a trooper had been shot in the head.

Butterfield, 43, died during emergency surgery at Munson Hospital.

As per procedure Butterworth had radioed in information on the stopped vehicle. Area police located two suspects some 15 miles away at a gas station in Wellston two hours later and exchanged gunfire with the suspects.

A 19-year old man was shot. The woman with him was not injured.

The pair were later identified as Eric Knysz and his pregnant wife, Sarah. Both are in police custody and were charged with Butterfield's murder.

Law enforcement officers throughout Michigan are wearing a black bands on badges in a gesture of honor and mourning for Butterfield.